Mike Nauman is an institution in the Central Pennsylvania wrestling scene through his work in Middletown and East Pennsboro, but most importantly through his Team Nauman wrestling club where he works with some of the region’s top wrestlers.

This experience and dedication to the sport were big factors for Bishop McDevitt’s athletic director Tommy Mealy, who confirmed the hiring of Nauman to be the Crusaders’ next wrestling coach. Nauman succeeds Dean Shields, who resigned last month of a position he held for five years.

“Mike is a wrestling junkie with a great pedigree in the sport,” Mealy said. “He has dedicated his life to sport and impact on young people, and Mike will certainly bring a lot of knowledge, experience and credibility to our program.”

Nauman said he had lofty goals at McDevitt, but taking the job was not a decision he made lightly. He invested four difficult years in the East Pennsboro program, which he said was on the verge of a milestone behind the return of state medalist Adam Jacob.

“I’m pretty excited, but it’s scary at the same time,” Nauman said. “I hate to let people down. I started a family in East Pennsboro, and now we’re going to have to start over. I hate leaving my children. This year was going to be one of our best years, but it was difficult to keep the team together. It was going to be one of my best years, but sometimes you have to do what’s best for you.

The investment in East Pennsboro was constant and required Nauman to be active in building numbers, from the college ranks to the youth program. He might have a few builds to do at McDevitt, but the Crusaders have been a consistent force in the district and state with figures including Cole Nye, John Pipa, and Chase Shields.

Three McDevitt wrestlers reached the state podium last season at Shields, who won a fourth medal of his career, and then juniors Tyler Martin and Nate Smith. These two characters should be the centerpieces of Nauman’s lineup for the 2019-2020 season.

Nauman said his first order of business – his hiring just confirmed this afternoon – is to get to know the McDevitt community. And when he gets that chance, Nauman’s message will be clear.

“I will try to build a dynasty.”